Muema story no laughing matter

Muema's remarks draw barbs, but it's an issue of real concern

San Diego State running back Adam Muema (4) breaks away for a 30 yard touchdown run against Buffalo. San Diego State defeated Buffalo 49-24 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Saturday December 21, 2013
Kyle Green

San Diego State running back Adam Muema (4) breaks away for a 30 yard touchdown run against Buffalo. San Diego State defeated Buffalo 49-24 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Saturday December 21, 2013

Adam Muema was a punch line in many newspapers and on countless radio shows Monday.

I get the joke. I’m just not laughing.

There should, instead, be real concern.

Look, I talk to God a fair amount. I’ve also read a lot about Him. I know He is a mysterious dude.

So I’m not willing to summarily dismiss Muema’s explanation for why he left the NFL Combine without working out simply on the basis that I believe God would know Seattle’s depth chart is stocked with running backs.

(I did, for the record, speak with a mortal who is familiar with at least some of the Seahawks’ draft plans, and the world champs are content with their current three-deep at the position. But, heck, God parted the Red Sea. So who am I to say he can’t make room for Muema in the Emerald City?)

What I do know is that Muema damaged his possible NFL future by suddenly bailing from Indianapolis on Sunday, saying God told him he should and that he will end up a member of the Seattle Seahawks.

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Muema told the U-T’s Michael Gehlken later Sunday that he communicates with God through numbers. Muema’s bio on Twitter reads: “God F1rst” and “Seahawks #8.” He also posted on Facebook a picture of a Seahawks jersey, complete with an 8 and his name across the back.

Now, as bizarre as this all is, the damage may not be irreparable.

Two NFL personnel people I spoke with said Muema’s next move is important.

“What happens when his agent gets ahold of him and they explain this?” one NFL exec said Monday. “... He could possibly play in the NFL.”

But that’s the thing — Muema’s agent has not spoken with him since last week. Apparently, few have, as several people who have tried to reach him report that his cellphone has been off. Muema was scheduled to return to his training base in Florida after the combine, but he hasn’t.

The NFL personnel people I communicated with in the last few days have said Muema has “NFL talent” but was a fringe draft pick for the right team. His likely status was as a “priority free agent” who would have the chance to make a team.

None of the three league sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, knew about Muema’s affiliation with a Lord Rayel, who claims on the Internet to be the Messiah. It is unclear the extent of Muema’s ties to Lord Rayel, but Muema’s social media accounts include multiple links to Rayel. Muema does also link to traditional Christian churches, such as San Diego’s The Rock Church, pastored by Miles McPherson.

The three personnel people said a profession by a player that he was told by God to do something like leave the ultimate job interview could portend deeper issues and be a reason for teams to stay clear, especially of a marginal prospect.